Gymnast pushes through fear

HIAWATHA - Gymnastics by no means, is close to easy.

This is a sport that requires physical and mental toughness matched by few sports, all done with grace.

'I think the biggest thing (gymnasts should take away) is fear and other things you have to fight through,” said John Mangold, a coach from Cedar Rapids Twisters.

Allyson Steffensmeier, a 14-year-old Level 9 gymnast for Twisters, has embraced this mentality.

'Gymnastics challenges you in ways that no other sport can challenge you,” she said. 'I don't think there is any other sport that you are physically scared.”

At the 2015 Iowa Optional State Championships, Steffensmeier won four events. She claimed the title in the bars, balance beam, floor exercise and all around competitions.

Mangold believes Steffensmeier is able to excel in gymnastics because of her mental and physical strength.

'Her drive and determination helps her to excel,” he said. 'She is pretty focused. She has a special gift, both mentally and physically.”

Steffensmeier has her favorite events.

'I love the beam, it's my best event. I like the bars, I'm pretty good at those, too.” Steffensmeier said.

Mangold encourages all gymnasts to compete in many events.

'The nice thing about gymnastics compared to other sports is there is never an end,” Mangold said. 'There is always something more in gymnastics, a higher level of skill.”

Although the skills learned in gymnastics can be scary, pushing through the fear has paid off for Steffensmeier, who is ranked third in the region.

Steffensmeier will compete in the regional championships in Green Bay this weekend.